Shirley Heinze Land Trust invites the public to attend free guided nature walks at Ambler Flatwoods and Barker Woods Nature Preserves in Michigan City on Saturday, May, 30. The walks are part of a series of events planned to increase awareness of the group's first-ever Capital Campaign, themed "Take a Walk with Shirley."
"This is a great opportunity to spend an hour or so enjoying the unique natural beauty of the 17 Shirley Heinze nature preserves and see first-hand how important it is that we preserve and protect these areas," says Leigh Morris, Chairman of the LaPorte County Campaign Committee.
Walks are slated to begin at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. at each preserve. Event details, including directions to the preserves, may also be found online at www.heinzetrust.org/campaign. RSVPs are requested by Monday, May 25, and may be submitted online or by calling 219-242-8558.
Ambler Flatwoods is a dedicated state nature preserve located in Springfield Township and Michigan City. The flatwoods ecosystem harbors populations of several plant species that are typical of more northern latitudes. At 353 acres, Ambler Flatwoods is the largest Shirley Heinze Land Trust property. In early spring, pools and rivulets cover a great portion of the property.
Barker Woods is a 30-acre dedicated state nature preserve located in Michigan City. The mixed forest community is a rare urban example of old-growth forest.
In addition to the May 30 walks, events are planned at Seidner Dune and Swale in Lake County on Saturday, June 6; and at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve in Porter County on Sunday, June 14. Other hikes and events, including speaking presentations and informal social gatherings, are being planned throughout the region.
The organization has a goal to raise $3.5 million to advance its mission of protecting important habitats and ecosystems across Northwest Indiana. Funds raised will be used to protect an additional 500 acres of environmentally significant land in the region. They will also support efforts to restore and maintain the 1,600 acres the organization already manages, and will promote conservation awareness through educational programs and increased access to natural areas. For more information and a calendar of campaign events, visit the website at www.heinzetrust.org/campaign.
For more information on the work and programs of Shirley Heinze Land Trust, call (219) 242-8558, email info@heinzetrust.org, or access its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/heinzetrust.